Volunteers do their part on Earth Day

FAIRFIELD — Saturday was a perfect day to get outside and celebrate Earth’s bounty.

The temperature crept into the low 80s, but a strong breeze kept the heat from being oppressive. Fairfield residents used the nice weather to celebrate Earth Day by volunteering at several locations around town.

One of those locations was the Fairfield Community Orchard east of Chautauqua Park. Volunteers gathered to spread mulch around the orchard’s fruit trees. Dora Pollak, one of the participants, said the purpose of spreading mulch around the trees was to suppress weeds and promote soil fertility.

Pollak’s husband, Avi Pogel, said that some plants are especially important to control because they compete directly with trees for water and nutrients, such as grass.

The Fairfield Community Orchard was begun 10 years ago under the direction of Scott Timm, then the city of Fairfield’s sustainability coordinator. The orchard has undergone many changes over the years. Some of the trees had to be removed when the city replaced sewer mains along the east edge of town.

Pollak said other trees have been added, and the number of trees in the orchard is now about 100.

Ron Blair said there is now a formal Fairfield Community Orchard Committee responsible for overseeing the property. It’s looking for partnerships with local organizations to help with upkeep. For instance, Pollak mentioned that a local church group harvested fruit from the orchard last year and donated it to the local food pantry, The Lord’s Cupboard.

The orchard once had an informational kiosk, but that was removed. The committee plans to replace it, and to include information about harvest guidelines, such as the best time to pick fruit, and advising residents not to pick more than their share.

To learn more about the Fairfield Community Orchard, find it on Facebook at “Fairfield Community Orchard” or email fruityfairfield@gmail.com.

Call Andy Hallman at 641-575-0135 or email him at andy.hallman@southeastiowaunion.com